Manufacturing Skills-CT Website Launches

08.02.2022
Manufacturing

ReadyCT, in collaboration with its affiliates CBIA and CONNSTEP, launched a website August 1 dedicated to providing educators and employers with a platform to strengthen manufacturing education programs and increase the talent pipeline. 

The MFG Skills-CT website has several components, including school program information, research studies, a comprehensive map of Connecticut manufacturers, tools, and resources to enhance pathway development.

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“There are pockets of excellence in K-12 manufacturing education in Connecticut, and with MFGskills-CT.com, those pockets can be replicated,” ReadyCT executive director Shannon Marimón said. 

Development

CONNSTEP received a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Technology Manufacturing Extension Program Competitive Awards Program to fund the Manufacturing Skills for Connecticut project.

That ultimately led to the creation of the MFG Skills-CT website

ReadyCT led the effort from the education perspective, creating and analyzing survey data, distilling best practices, and helping to package the website.

CONNSTEP, CBIA, and the Connecticut Manufacturers Collaborative brought representation from Connecticut manufacturers. 

To start the project, ReadyCT and WestED worked together during the fall of 2020 to develop a comprehensive inventory of K-12 advanced manufacturing programs.

“Students will be able to leverage high-quality career opportunities in ways that grow the local and state economies.”

ReadyCT’s Shannon Marimón

From there, a review board chose twelve secondary programs in Connecticut with high-quality high-impact program elements to participate in a deeper dive. 

Those schools, including Bristol Eastern and Bristol Central high schools, New Britain High School, and Hamden High School make up the in-depth reports on the site.

Educators are encouraged to use the platform to drive collaboration with manufacturers in their area.

“When educators and businesses start sourcing that material, students will be able to leverage high-quality career opportunities for their individual success in ways that grow the local and state economies,” said Marimón. 

Continued Efforts

Programs that have proven success include industry advisory boards made up of representatives from manufacturers. 

Many schools also provide companies with interns throughout the course of the year.

“Workforce is a priority for Connecticut manufacturers,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“This is an important platform that can connect manufacturers with schools in their area to further develop the talent pipeline.” 

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

“This is an important platform that can connect manufacturers with schools in their area to further develop the talent pipeline.” 

The launch of the website is merely the first step. 

ReadyCT will continue working with schools this fall to further develop the database. 

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